The Halifax County Sheriff's Office was the recipient of a gift from a longtime friend.

Tuesday county commissioners accepted a donation from area funeral director Harold Massey, who donated a canine bulletproof vest to the sheriff's office.

“We see a great need in protecting our officers and the protection of the dogs you use in your work,” Massey said in a letter to Sheriff Wes Tripp, which was included in the board's agenda packet.

The board approved the vest, a Point Blank K-9 ballistic vest, which sheriff's office Administrative Assistant Matthew Carlisle told the board was valued at just under $624.

“I think it's excellent,” Tripp said today of the gift. “Harold has always been a supporter of the community and a friend of mine for years. I'm glad he made that donation.”

Commissioner Marcelle Smith reads a resolution honoring Matthews.

In another matter Tuesday, the board recognized the retirement of James L. Matthews from the sheriff's office where he served nine years as a deputy.

He retired August 1.